[4] Mālaqa was the main objective of the 1487 campaign by the Catholic Monarchs against the Emirate of Granada, which had been steadily losing territory to the Crown of Castile forces.

[1] Nasrid spies gave word of the movements of the Christians, and the inhabitants of Vélez fled to the mountains of Alpujarras and the Bentomiz Castle.

Towards the sea were orchards of olives, oranges, and pomegranates, and vineyards from whose grapes the sweet fortified Malaga wine, an important export, was made.

In addition to the normal garrison, it contained volunteers from other towns in the regions and a corps of Gomeres, experienced and disciplined African mercenaries.

[8][b] While still at Vélez, Ferdinand attempted to negotiate a surrender on good terms, but his offers were refused by Hamet el Zegrí.

Ferdinand left Vélez on 7 May 1487 and advanced along the coast to Bezmiliana, about six miles from Mālaqa, where the road led between two heights defended by the Muslims.

[8] A fight ensued that continued until evening, when the Christians managed to turn the position and the Nasrid retreated to the Gibralfaro fortress.

[11] The Chronicle of the Catholic Monarchs by Don Juan M. Carriazo reveals the aftermath of this battle: "The Christians had received very great damage at the beginning and more than fifty of them were killed and others wounded.

[12][13] Queen Isabella joined her husband, accompanied by her court and by various high clergymen and nobles, a move that helped to boost morale.

Seeing their extreme suffering, Hamet el Zegrí eventually agreed to withdraw with his forces to the Gibralfaro, and let the population make terms with the Christians.

The citadel held out until 18 August 1487 when its leader, the merchant Ali Dordux, surrendered on the basis that his group of twenty-five families would be allowed to stay as Mudéjars.

As a result, the conquerors imposed a harsh penalty to the defeated side: the population was condemned to slavery or death, other than the group led by Ali Dordux.

[21] The task of reorganizing the territory was given to García Fernández Manrique, who had captured the fortress, and to Juan de la Fuente, two experienced administrators.